While some travelers plan a journey to the Great White North for the 2010 Winter Olympics, travel agents can take advantage of the Olympic spirit to sell a vacation to a popular destination in the Northeast U.S.

Lake Placid, NY, and Whiteface Mountain may not be in the same league as Vancouver, BC, but it certainly has the vertical limits and culture to match. While skiers ascend Whiteface Mountain, whether by gondola or by chairlift, they pass signs that say how many meters above other North American ski mountains they are. The “tower” poles state “you are now 90 feet above the summit at Okemo,” among other summits, including Killington, Stratton, Mad River Glen and Stowe in Vermont, and even Tremblant in Quebec.

After a full day of skiing, clients can enjoy the shops and fine dining in the village of Lake Placid. For a taste of Olympic history, there is also the bobsled course and slalom jumps, which are still intact from the 1980 Games, and the Lake Placid Winter Olympic Museum—which commemorates moments such as the “Miracle on Ice” when the underdog U.S. Men’s Hockey Team defeated the Soviet Union, also known as the “Big Red Machine.”

Where to Stay

The Whiteface Lodge—a AAA Four Diamond property and a member of The Leading Small Hotels of the World—is like a luxury Adirondack camp for families and couples. The Spa at Whiteface Lodge is ideal for relaxing either after the slopes or for the whole day—with 5,800 square feet of space, and an array of luxury treatments, including the signature Wanderlust treatment.

Guests can wine and dine in elegance at KANU, which provides classic American cuisine. Adding an excellent touch is the resort’s onsite sommelier, who treated Travel Agent to a wine and food pairing, cognac flight tasting and even demonstrated how to select and light the finest of cigars.

The spacious guest rooms have fully equipped kitchens, jetted tubs, high-definition TVs, iron-cast fireplaces and king-sized beds. If you don’t feel up to a night out in the town or in the property’s mountain-chic bar and lounge area, you have everything you need in your room for a cozy evening.

The Presidential Suite is for clients looking for the ultimate room experience. The multi-bedroom accommodations rest atop their own building, with the indoor and outdoor pool and hot tubs below and just outside the private elevator. Also available are Grand Suites, which start at 1,920 square feet and provide incredible views of mountain peaks.

Check out footage of the Presidentail Suite in the video below

Agents should contact General Manager Phil Anderson at 518-523-0250, or e-mail [email protected].